I was praying and meditating in my car at lunch time last Wednesday and looked up. In the clouds I saw a beautiful white borse. This is very similar to the pic I keep at my desk to remind me that God sees the finished product not the mess in the making! He knows that “in Christ” we are perfect but while we are hindered by our earthly natures there will be moments when we don’t always reflect Him. It is a blessing to have people who are on “our team” who are truthful with us. It may not be easy but to speak the truth in love is the best way to influence each other for growth. Deception and lies only serve those who are on the enemy’s side. Lord, give us grace to discern truth from lies, what is self- seeking from what is God-honoring. – Teresa #whenthetruthurts #itisnotalwaysaboutyou #teamformingispainful

Proverbs 26:18-19 English Standard Version (ESV)

18

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death

19

is the man who deceives his neighbor

and says, “I am only joking!”

Sharing in the suffering of Christ may mean we are ok with the messy things of life getting near us. Reaching out to those who grieve, empathizing with those in the sweet stages of childrearing, crying with those who have been wrecked by another’s sin are all ways God uses us for His honor and glory. We are presenting ourselves to God as one approved when we enter into real life with those around us. With confidence, we offer our grace-filled humanity in order to show the difference He has made in our own story based on His overwhelming love. He is asking us to follow Him into the suffering of others. The comfort with which He comforts us is enough to bring soothing to the afflicted. – Teresa #soothingsalvebindsthebrokenhearted #Heseesu #IamnotalonebyKariJobe #Hecleansesusfromearthlyambition

2 Timothy 2:1-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men,[a] who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

12

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

A Worker Approved by God

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God[b] not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[c] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[d] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

Footnotes:

a 2 Timothy 2:2 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women, depending on the context

b 2 Timothy 2:14 Some manuscripts the Lord

c 2 Timothy 2:15 That is, one approved after being tested

d 2 Timothy 2:21 Greek from these things

I’ve been reading this book, recommended by someone much younger than me. The beauty of counting ourselves “dead” to what the world would love to entrap us with, is that we can gradually become aware of life springing up in other areas that mean the most to us. The statement of being hidden with Christ in God brings much comfort. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, being hidden implies both concealment and protection. Who would have thought that the way to a most satisfying, abundant life is to be out of the limelight. -Teresa #Hisgloryshinesinewlife #putonChrist #eyesonHim #taketimetoseethestars

Colossians 3:1-17 (ESV)

3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self4 with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,5 free; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I’m ready to take a picture here but the spotlight was turned around, capturing Michael and me instead! As we long for the courts of God, our attention is on Him-(ready to take a pic). He in turn shines back on our hearts revealing the entry way to a highway that brings us to Zion. He strengthens us with pools of refreshing amidst the bitterness (Baca) of life. Are we dwelling in the tents of wickedness or refreshed in the courts of the Lord? God’s favor and honor are all around those who trust Him.- Teresa #Hisdwellingislovely #desiringtobeadoorkeeper #longingandreceivingspringsofjoyfuldelight

Psalm 84: 1-12 (ESV)

1

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O Lord of hosts!

2

My soul longs, yes, faints

for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and flesh sing for joy

to the living God.

3

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young,

at your altars, O Lord of hosts,

my King and my God.

4

Blessed are those who dwell in your house,

ever singing your praise! Selah

5

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.[b]

6

As they go through the Valley of Baca

they make it a place of springs;

the early rain also covers it with pools.

7

They go from strength to strength;

each one appears before God in Zion.

8

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;

give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

9

Behold our shield, O God;

look on the face of your anointed!

10

For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

12

O Lord of hosts,

blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Reading about the tragic history of Uganda over the past four decades, I am encouraged by Paul’s writing to the Thessalonian church. Their faith in the midst of persecution was richly rewarded through the power of God’s grace in their lives. Help us, Lord, to give thanks if we have endured persecution for the sake of your name. May your power be displayed throughout the nations especially the nation of Uganda where your people have endured much and demonstrate your glory and love. – Teresa #besteadfastunmoveablealwaysaboundingintheworkoftheLord #yourlaborisnotinvain #Icor15:58

It’s very exciting to know we have a fresh start after water baptism. Visually, we are identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. After confessing His name as Savior of our lives, we disappear under the water acknowledging that we are dying to our old self (crucified with Christ). When we come out of the water (full of joy at the realization He has paid the penalty for our sin), we are more than willing to live in a new way. This means we are no longer governed by fear but filled with love. Just as we have received forgiveness we can extend forgiveness to those who would want to bully or threaten us by fear. Walking in the newness of life means we are renewed by really knowing (experiencing His presence) in our lives. This means that we understand Jesus is the exact representation/image of God’s heart for the world. – Teresa #welovebecausehefirstlovedus #walkinginthenewnessoflifemeansseeingfroma heavenlyperspective #OneLordonefaithonebaptismoneGodandFatherofall #Hisbodyembracesdiverselivesworldwide

Colossians 3 1-17 ESV

3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:[b] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.[c] 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self[d] with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,[e] free; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him

This wetland area is almost dried out as the summertime drought draws to a close. Notice the green foliage where the actual creek bed flows, We too are refreshed as long as we stay near the source of life, Maybe it’s a time of drought while we are waiting for a different season. In the meantime, we have His great and precious promise to sustain our lives here on earth. His presence is in the common place and in the ordinary movement of our schedules.- Teresa #Histrengthsustainsme

Psalm 73: 23-26 (ESV)

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

When rule-driven ethics disappoint and feelings-driven relationships deceive, we are held secure by the truth of Christ’s love for us. Paul was in labor for the spiritual birth of those being called to Christ. As a new mom bonds to her newborn with hormonal oxytocin, Paul bonded to the new believers with agape love. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to empower Paul with unfailing love to reap a harvest from hardened soil. He experienced the suffering of Christ but he also was filled with the sweetness of knowing the Savior’s love personally.- Teresa #livingwater #thirsty

Philippians 1: 8-11 (ESV)

8For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

When you watch something beautiful, it’s poetry in motion. When you read something beautiful, it’s an exercise of poetry. God has made certain that we understand the beauty of His intention toward us…not to leave us without His redemption. – Teresa #amazedatHisuffering #gratefulforHislove #Fathersswillmeansprosperingformankind

Isaiah 53:4-12 (ESV)

4 

Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

6 

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth.

8 

By oppression and judgment he was taken away;

and as for his generation, who considered

that he was cut off out of the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people?

9 

And they made his grave with the wicked

and with a rich man in his death,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;

he has put him to grief;[n]

when his soul makes[o] an offering for guilt,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;

the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

11 

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see[p] and be satisfied;

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,

make many to be accounted righteous,

and he shall bear their iniquities.

12 

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,[q]

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,[r]

because he poured out his soul to death

and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

and makes intercession for the transgressors.